Australian Network on Disability

Five impactful ways for workplaces to celebrate International Day of People with Disability

Tue 23 October 2018

International Day of People with Disability (IDPWD), held on 3 December each year, aims to increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability. This year’s theme, as proclaimed by the United Nations, is ‘Empowering people with disability and ensuring inclusiveness and equality’.

Here are five impactful ways for your organisation to celebrate IDPWD in 2018.

1. Create or join an awareness campaign

An authentic campaign can encourage your people to share their stories and ask for the workplace adjustments they need. Fujitsu’s ‘Be Completely You’ video is a great example of a creative campaign that highlights the individual and business benefits of diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

No time to create a campaign? Join one! This IDPWD, organisations across the globe will ‘go purple’ in support of the #PurpleLightUp movement. Started by Kate Nash OBE of PurpleSpace, who was the keynote speaker at our 2018 National Conference in May, #PurpleLightUp encourages organisations to go purple for a day to celebrate the economic power of people with disability.

2. Launch a new policy, plan or initiative

What better time to announce a new policy, plan or initiative related to inclusion of people with disability than on IDPWD?

As the generous host of our IDPWD Cocktail Party last year, EY took the opportunity to launch its first Accessibility and Inclusion Action Plan (AIP) and celebrate with our network of members, stakeholders and special guests.

3. Host an IDPWD event at your workplace

This is your opportunity to engage your whole organisation in the business of inclusion. An internal event can be a great way to showcase the great work of your Disability Employee Network, launch a new initiative, celebrate progress or reinforce your organisation’s commitment to inclusion.

Engage your audience with a dynamic panel discussion, a presentation by your Disability Champion or a special guest with lived experience of disability (e.g. an Invictus Games ambassador).

4. Encourage people to learn

A lunch-and-learn or similar activity will not only support your people to engage with IDPWD, but learn from it, too. The key is to choose a subject that can be applied to any business area. For example, a lunch-and-learn about access to information can explore the intersection between human rights and technology, the foundations of accessibility and the principles of Inclusive Design.

Or, how about an information session to help you bring an internal project to life? At our recent Member Roundtable in Sydney, we heard from Westpac that an internal email introducing its new Tailored Talent program was one of its most-read communications. An IDPWD information session that explores the impetus for the project and the impact it’s having could be a great way to generate even more interest and understanding.

5. Celebrate extraordinary contributions in leadership by people with disability

Nominations are being accepted until 12 November, with winners presented during a live global webcast from 12.30 to 2pm AEST on Monday 3 December. Gather your colleagues for an awards party and tune in to the live ceremony to celebrate those who’ve significantly contributed to advancing people with disability.

Share and discover

There are some amazing and powerful stories, campaigns and events being shared across the globe in anticipation of 3 December. Share your contribution, discover new ideas and keep in touch with this important occasion by using #IDPD (global) and #IDPWD (Australia).